FLS forestry management and stewardship forester Eelco de Jong said the recovery of broadleaf vegetation was promising with lots of birch, rowan and willow expected to grow back quickly.
However, he warned that there were “significant challenges” ahead because of organic soil layers being badly affected and due to damage to the area’s renowned Scots pine.
He said: “The concern is many of the oldest ‘granny pines’ could be lost, removing important seed sources and habitat for species such as capercaillie.”
“Some of these veteran trees were more than 100 or 200 years old and, where losses occur, it could take centuries for trees of a similar stature to return to the landscape.”
